GSSN ESSENTIALS
 Your monthly e-newsletter from your local Girl Scout council.

 
World Thinking Day 2015
Creating Peace Through Partnerships

Each year on February 22, World Thinking Day, girls participate in activities and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries. World Thinking Day is part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Global Action Theme (GAT), based on the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which aim to improve the lives of the world's poorest people. The theme for World Thinking Day 2015 is girls worldwide say "we can create peace through partnerships." 

 

This goal is about all countries, rich and poor, working with one another to support the MDGs. In order for poorer countries to reach the other seven goals, more-prosperous countries must provide more effective aid, sustainable debt relief, and fair trade rules.

 

World Thinking Day not only gives girls a chance to celebrate international friendships, it is also a reminder that Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a global community-one of nearly 150 countries-with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. This year, WAGGGS is not selecting "focus countries" for World Thinking Day-so we want every group to use this year's occasion to learn about the different WAGGGS regions. The five WAGGGS regions are: AfricaArab RegionAsia/PacificEurope, and Western Hemisphere.

 

Click here to find out all the fun activities you can participate in on World Thinking Day!

 

Before getting started, please read our Statement of Trust. You may want to explain to girls the difference between "developing" and "developed" countries and how this difference affects access to resources and technology, and interpersonal partnerships. 


Did you know?
The World Thinking Day award is an official award that may be worn on the front of the official Girl Scout uniform sash or vest!

 

Place your order today with the GSSN Shop by calling our Customer Service Representatives at 775-322-0642 x1237 or email them at [email protected]

 

  
Council News
Catch up on all the important Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada council news. 
Things To Do
See upcoming council, service unit, troop, and community partner events. Read more.
Girl & Adult Learning Opportunities
From Award and CIT trainings to Troop Leader and CPR classes, everyone can learn and grow with Girl Scouts. Read more.
    
  
Product Sales
Important dates, trainings, and news will keep you in the know. Read more.
Community Partner Events & Activities
Get all the info on upcoming events with our partners in the community. Read more.
The GSSN Shop
Find what's new in your council shop and learn about tools to help her along her Girl Scout path. Read more.
Council News CouncilNews

Congratulations, Julia!


 

We are proud to announce that Julia Ratti, our GSSN CEO, has been promoted to Girl Scouts of the USA to be part of a new department beginning in February (You go girl!). And guess what that means? The very talented Denise Stewart will be joining our Girl Scout family as our GSSN Interim CEO! 


Click here for all the exciting details.

 

Have you thanked a Girl Scout Volunteer lately?

Everyone appreciates a special thank you for their volunteer efforts, and every year GSSN recognizes individuals who provide service to Girl Scouting that is "above and beyond" the expectations of their volunteer position. After all, our volunteers are ah-mazing! 

 

Girl Scouts of the USA and Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada have a formal process for honoring Girl Scout adult members for their exemplary and outstanding service. Each year, the individual awards are presented in the spring at our Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition ceremony. This year GSSN will be awarding the following honors on April 18, 2015:

  • Volunteer of Excellence
  • Appreciation Pin
  • Honor Pin
  • Thanks Badge
  • Thanks Badge II
Check out the GSSN Adult Recognition chart to determine the best fit for your special person, then submit your nomination using our easy, online Nomination and Endorsement forms!

  

If you have questions regarding adult recognitions please contact your service unit recognitions committee or representative, service team coordinator, council Membership Specialist or the Program & Volunteerism department. All nomination material is due on Friday, February 13, 2015.

Calling All Longtime Girl Scouts

Every year, GSSN honors members of our organization who have achieved special milestones in their Girl Scouting journey. 

  • The Numeral Guard Pin recognizes years of membership in any Girl Scout/Girl Guide organization, including girl and adult years, at 5-year intervals.
  • The Years of Service Pin recognizes an adult member registered with GSUSA for their years of active volunteer service at five-year intervals.
If you would like to be recognized this year, please be sure to report your Years of Service or Years of Membership using our easy online form.

All requests must be received by February 13, 2015.

Questions? Contact Jessica Mahon at  [email protected] or (775) 322-0642 ext. 1255. 

Best of Pinterest: January
    

Each month, we'll show you the most loved pins from our GSSN Pinterest! Don't forget to follow us to see more fun ideas and events happening around the council. Click the photos below to see the Pinterest Pins.

 

It's COOKIE TIME! #GSSNcookies2015

♪ "...backstroke, side stroke, fancy diving too..." ♪ Do you have a Girl Scout who LOVES to swim? Today's "In the swimming pool" is just for her! LOVE, repin, and sing along with Fiji and SLAM! Don't forget to give this one a try at your next troop meeting. 


Make Easy Girl Scout Cookie Booth Banners!

Learn how to blow a frozen bubble!

GSSN Essentials Now Online
Now you can view past Essentials and Silver & Gold enewsletters on our website. Check it out here!
Good News from Around the GSSN Council  

Cookie Kick-Off Rallies

 

  
 

Thank you to all of the Service Units and volunteers that held cookie kick-offs throughout our council. Over 900 girls from around the council participated and earned their cookie pins by learning the 5 Skills of the Cookie Program. If you missed a cookie kickoff, girls can still learn the 5 skills of the Cookie Program during a troop meeting and troop leaders can purchase the 2015 cookie pin at the GSSN Shop. Thank you again to all of the volunteers and families for your support of this year's Cookie Program!

 

For the cookie kickoff in the Reno/Sparks area a very big Thank you to the Reno Big Horns who donated the use of the building and for Bruno visiting the girls during the event.

 


Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada attended the Harlem Globetrotters

Girls were able to meet players privately before the game and found out that #6 T-Time of the Harlem Globetrotters this season is also a Girl Scout!!  The fun continued for the girls at halftime as they were allowed to line the entrance for the players as they returned to center court!  Thank you to all who attended and we hope those girls had a chance to be inspired. 

 

Do you have Good News to submit?
We want to hear about all the great things going on in our council area, especially from troop and service units in our outlying areas! Just fill out this form, and you will be contacted by our communications department.
Things To Do ToDo
A Sleepover with a Purpose!
7 p.m. Friday, February 13 - 11 a.m. Saturday, February 14
Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors are invited to our Sleepover with a Purpose! We will watch a popular film (Divergent) and episodes from a popular TV series (Modern Family) during the lock-in and then decode both gender stereotypes and harmful portrayals of girls & women in the films. 

 

After the screenings, girls will get to participate in a self-defense class taught by local instructor Kelly Hamon. Girls will even receive a certificate of completion! 

 

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb 13 - 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb 14

Where: GSSN Reno Service Center

Who: Girls in grades 6-12

Cost: Free!

 

Space is limited, so don't miss out on this informative (and super fun!) sleepover. Register online via eBiz and complete the Sensitive Issues Permission Form. 

 

*Girl Scouts should have dinner before drop-off; we will provide snacks on Friday and breakfast on Saturday.

 

For more information, contact our Camp & Outdoor Specialist at [email protected] or 775.322.0642 x1202.

 


Travel the World with GSSN!
We have two exciting travel opportunities for girls in sixth grade or older - Savannah, Georgia, the Birthplace of Girl Scouts during Fall Break 2015 and a Journey Down Under to Australia and New Zealand the summer of 2016. Click here for information on age requirements, costs, etc. for these trips. These travel adventures will provide you an experience you'll never forget!  

 

Girls, bring your parents/guardians/troop leader to one or both of the following Travel Information Sessions to learn more about these trips:

  • Savannah, GA: Sunday, February 22, 2015, 2 -3 p.m.
  • Australia & New Zealand: Sunday, February 22, 2015, 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Check out the GSSN calendar for more information on how to register for these free sessions and to watch for further informational meetings as they are scheduled.

 

Get excited for summer camp 2015!

January 31, 1-3 p.m.: Camp Meet & Greet*

February 2: Camp registration opens

Camp is around the corner for summer 2015! Campers can get in on the fun at our overnight camp program at Wasiu II or Day Camp. We're also offering Spring Break Day Camp for the first time!

 

What will SHE do at camp?

Roast s'mores over a campfire

Stargaze with new friends

Swim and splash in the pool

Stand-up paddleboard on the lake

Hit a bulls-eye at archery

Sleep in a BIG tent

 

*Please Note: The Camp Meet & Greet is an opportunity for first-time and new camp families to meet the camp director, ask questions, and learn about camp program offerings. Early registration will not be available at this event.

 

For more information, contact Stefanie Argus, Camp & Outdoor Specialist, at [email protected] or by phone at 775.322.0642 x1202


 

Let's Celebrate Girl Scout Week! 
Sunday, March 8 - Saturday, March 14

 

Build a Blanket Fort and Win!

We're celebrating our 103rd Birthday with a blanket fort competition! Build your very own blanket fort on or before March 12 and you'll be entered to win a $25 gift certificate to the Trading Post (camp store) at Camp Wasiu II. Submit your photo by March 14 to participate.

 

Click here to see the flyer for more information.

 

 

 




Girl Scout Week Fun






But why just celebrate one day? Click here to see all the fun you can have for every day of Girl Scout Week! Don't forget to check out the My Promise My Faith flyer to learn all about the awards you could earn while celebrating.

Marathon in a Month

GSSN is excited to invite you to participate in Marathon in a Month, a new healthy living initiative for both girls and adults! The goal is to encourage daily movement and exercise that adds up to 26.2 miles of activity during the course of one month. That's actually less than 1 mile of movement per day! Lots of different types of activities "count" for miles - walking, tennis, softball, running, yoga, Zumba, swimming, and much more. 

 

Click here to learn how you can participate!

Attention Senior & Ambassador Girl Scouts
Are you seeking real-world experience?
Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors who are 14 years old by April 1, 2015, may apply for one of the two girl positions on the GSSN Board of Directors. Candidates will be chosen for this prestigious position based on their involvement and commitment to Girl Scouts. This is a local position that will require you to attend eight Board meetings from May 2015 through April 2016.

The Girl Board Member Application is due by Friday, February 27, 2015. Please direct any questions to Paula Cady at  [email protected].     

Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition
Saturday, April 18

 

GSSN's Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition event provides an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding volunteers who have made remarkable contributions to Girl Scouts over the past year.

 

Saturday, April 18, 2015

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The Grove at South Creek

95 Foothill Road, Reno, NV 89511

 

Tickets are $8 (Check out next month's Essentials for information on how you can register!)

 

 

 

Girl Scout Award Submission Deadline is Fast Approaching!

 

Any troops or girls working on their Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award must have their completed final reports into the GSSN Service Center no later than 5:00 pm, March 15, if they wish to be recognized at this year's All That Glitters event on Saturday, May 16, 2015.  Contact Paula Cady at [email protected], with any questions.

Host a Camp Staff Member this Summer!
Would you like to host an international or long-distance American camp staff member in your home this summer? We're looking for families to welcome camp staff in their homes for lengths of time ranging between a weekend and two weeks! Families can host staff members before and after camp as well as during time off. As an approved host family, you will be asked to make contact with your camp staff members prior to arrival. This is your opportunity to tell them about your family and find out about them ahead of time. You may also ask them for a picture of themselves to make identifying them at the airport a bit easier. Your family will provide a safe and comfortable place for the staff to stay at your home. (A couch, air mattress, futon, or bed will be just fine.) Host families also prepare some meals for our camp staff members while they are at the home.

Interested? Click here to be an approved host family. We so appreciate your dedication to Girl Scouting and for providing our camp staff with a welcoming Nevadan host family!

 

For more details, please contact Stefanie Argus, Camp & Outdoor Specialist, at [email protected].

Rent Camp Wasiu II

Camp Wasiu II, our overnight camp in Sierra City, California, is the perfect outdoor destination for your troop or Service Unit!  Affordable rental weekends for summer 2015 are now available, and your group can also have our program specialists lead awesome archery, swimming, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding programs.  For more information, contact Stefanie Argus, Camp & Outdoor Specialist, at [email protected] or by phone at 775.322.0642 x1202.
Community Partner Events & Activities ComPartners
The Hundred Dresses
Thru February 8
Come check out TheatreWorks of Northern Nevada's first play of 2015, The Hundred Dresses!  Based on the award-winning children's book about bullyingThe Hundred Dresses premiered January 30, 2015, and will run until February 8


Girl Scout Night with Wolf Pack Women's Basketball
Wednesday, February 25, 6:30 p.m.

The strength of the wolf is the pack! Are you ready to show off your Wolf Pack and Girl Scout pride? Join your fellow Girl Scouts as Nevada takes on Air Force on Wednesday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m. 

 

Tickets are only $6 for Girl Scouts and their families! Visit

NevadaWolfPack.com/promo and enter the promotional code GSCOUT15 to purchase your tickets now. 

 


 

CookieProduct Sales
     
 

See below to find out how you can earn Cookie Program pins & badges, participate in our cookie booth contest, promote your cookie booth, and even get tips on delivering your cookies!

 

For more information about the Cookie Program, please contact our Product & Retail Manager at 775.322.0642 x1241, or at [email protected].

 

CookieDeliveryCookie Delivery Tips

Deliveries will begin around February 11

 

  • Money should be collected upon delivery only
  • Don't forget to take extra cookies with you when you are delivering your cookies to customers and to any neighbors who may not have been home when you took orders in January
  • Bring smaller bills with you when collecting money so you can make change
  • Don't carry large amounts of money; be sure to pass along the money to the adult with you for safe keeping while you are delivering your cookies
  • Have the customer write checks out to your troop and remember to collect your order forms from any of your adult friends and family who may have been helping you sell
  • Most importantly, tell your customers, "Thank you for supporting Girl Scouts!"
  • If the customer is not home, think about creating a Post-It note by going to www.abcsmartcookies.com and clicking on the Flickr icon. Once there, you can create your own personal marketing items!
  • When leaving your contact information, never use your full name or phone number. Only list your first name and the phone number to your troop leader for safety reasons.

For more information about the Cookie Program, please contact our Product & Retail Manager at 775.322.0642 x 1241, or at [email protected].

 

BoothContestCookie Booth Contest

Contest ends April 1

 

Cookie Booths will be starting soon and girls will be putting all of their new knowledge of business skills to work! Talking to customers and answering questions with confidence and smiles always inspires new girls to want to join in on the fun. We have a way for the Girl Scouts to easily be a sister to those new girls AND get a little something for themselves! How? It's as easy as 1, 2, 3! 

  1. Pick up the recruitment poster when you do your initial cookie pickup, ask your SUPSC for them, or click here to print your own poster!
  2. Display your poster at your cookie booth for customers to clearly see. Then, take a picture with it, the girls, and the troop number all clearly showing! Troops are allowed 1 picture entry per booth timeslot as confirmed in SNAP.
  3. Email your pictures to your Membership Specialist by April 1.

All entries submitted will be entered into a drawing for troop 'goodie bag' swag. The number of winners will be determined by the number of troop entries. Click here to see the flyer for more information.

 

COCO: The Cookie Command Center

 

As a parent or volunteer you can help your Girl Scout visit the COCO page, where each girl can set her personal goals of what she intends to get out of the cookie program, make plans for how she can reach or exceed her goals, check how she is doing along the way, send e-promise cards to her friends and family to tell them it's cookie time, and ask for their support and new this year use the COCO Direct only ecard inviting customers to order, pay and have their cookies shipped directly to them within 48 business hours from the baker. Girls and troop volunteers can register in just a few steps on this secure site and help support each other all along while having fun in the cookie program. 
 

This month, we will be highlighting one of the most important skills that a Girl Scout can learn while participating in the cookie program, Money Management. 

 

 

PinsBadgesCookie Program Pin & Badges

 

Did you know there is so much more to the cookie program than just selling cookies? Check out all the opportunities you can help your Girl Scout learn and earn while participating in the 2015 Cookie Program!

 

 

 

By using The 5 Skills while selling cookies, girls earn the official 2015 Cookie Activity Pin. This pin can also be earned by attending any one of the Cookie Kickoff events being put on by service units.  

 

 

 

Badges are another great opportunity for girls to hone their skills and gain an understanding of the world of business. Check out some of the cookie badges and petals girls can earn below!

 

The best part as a cookie support team member (parent/guardian), you can work on these great badges and petals alongside of your Girl Scout at home! To find out more information about these badges and petals, contact our Customer Service Representatives, Ashley or Veronica, at [email protected] or 775-322-0642 ext. 1237.


 

 

All Girl Scout Cookie-related GSLE badges in stock are on sale from January 1, 2015- March 31, 2015! Take advantage of this offer - who can't resist saving 15% of badges that Girl Scouts can earn while having fun selling Girl Scout cookies. 
The GSSN ShopShopNews
PromoteBoothsPromote Your Cookie Booth!

 

Is your troop looking for ways to market their cookie booths this season? Here are some great ways they can do so:

  • The GSSN Shop has some fantastic cookie marketing items available. These can be used to let neighbors know that a Girl Scout lives at a home or displayed at cookie booths to "Bling Your Booth."
    • Just call (775) 322-0642 x1237, email [email protected]or stop by during shop hours and our Customer Service Representatives, Ashley or Veronica, will be happy to assist you!
  • GSUSA's Bling Your Booth contest: Plain is BORING! Encourage your troops to "Bling Your Booth" for a chance to win $500! Show customers your cookie sale in action by submitting photos to [email protected] or post photos to social media and use the hashtags #blingyourbooth and #gssncookies2015.
  • Wear Cookie Costumes! Girls can use the empty cookie boxes or cases to create personal

    costumes, or you can check out costumes from the GSSN Service Center (a Cookie

    Costume Reservation Form can be found at gssn.org)

Girl & Adult Learning Opportunities LearningOp
Upcoming Events & Trainings
 
For a full listing of all your upcoming girl and adult development opportunities, please see the GSSN Events Calendar.

Troop Leadership 

Saturday, February 7 

9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

GSSN Reno Service Center

Registration due: January 30

 

Valentine's Pop Culture Lock-In

Friday, February 13, 7 p.m. - Saturday, February 14, 11 a.m.   

GSSN Reno Service Center

Registration due: February 5

 
Silver Award Workshop (Required for Cadette Girl Scouts wanting to earn their Silver Award)

Saturday, February 14

10 - 1:30 a.m.

Online

Registration due: February 6

 

Gold Award Workshop (For Senior/Ambassador Girl Scouts wanting to earn their Gold Award

Thursday, February 19

6 - 8 p.m.

GSSN Reno Service Center

Registration Due: February 13

 

Facilitated Adult Learning

Saturday, February 21

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

GSSN Reno Service Center

Registration due: February 13

 

2015 Savannah, GA Informational Meeting

Sunday, February 22

2 - 3 p.m.  

GSSN Reno Service Center

Registration due: February 18

 

2016 Down Under International Trip Informational Meeting

Sunday, February 22

3 - 4:30 p.m. 

GSSN Reno Service Center

Registration due: February 18

 

First Aid/CPR/AED Re-Certification Training

Friday, February 27

7 - 8:30 p.m.

GSSN Reno Service Center

Registration due: February 13

 

First Aid/CPR/AED Training

Saturday, February 28

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

GSSN Reno Service Center

Registration due: February 20

GSSN Service Center Hours and Closures 
Hours: 

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

First Saturday of the month: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

 

Upcoming GSSN Closures:

Monday, February 16: Closed for President's Day holiday

Tuesday, February 24: Closed from 12 - 3 p.m. for Staff training

  

When you do business at the GSSN Shop, 100% of the proceeds stay with the GSSN council!

Feel free to call our helpful GSSN Shop staff if you need any assistance: 775-322-0642 x 1237.

 
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605 Washington St., Reno, NV 89503
1 (775) 322 - 0642   |   1(800) 222-5406